The Toronto Blue Jays have entered the past few seasons with great expectations. However, given Toronto’s 25-29 start and sitting in last place in the American League East, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Blue Jays move one or more of their players this summer. The Playoff Odss at FanGraphs gives the Blue Jays a 18.8 percent chance of making the postseason. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com spoke with an American League executive who believes the Blue Jays could move one of Bo Bichette or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ahead of the July 30 deadline.
“I don’t think they’re opposed to it,” the executive told Feinsand. “They’ve talked to teams about it. The asks were ridiculous, but I don’t think they’re going to try to retool a lot, and using those guys to get pieces may be the way to do it.”
This can go in so many directions but the Blue Jays seem to be trending downward. Teams like the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are improving, putting Toronto in a not-so comfortable spot. Bichette is a two-time All-Star and finished 16th or higher in AL MVP voting from 2021-23.
Bleacher Report recently released an article detailing potential landing spots for Bichette, and the San Francisco Giants made the list.
“Though the Giants have come alive with 12 wins in their last 16 games, it’s still not clear what the plan is at shortstop. The position has produced just 0.1 rWAR this year. Nick Ahmed only ever looked like a stopgap solution, and he’s on the IL with a sprained wrist. Marco Luciano briefly got a shot, but he is now in a timeshare with Wisely. The word “tenuous” comes to mind, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Especially if their current momentum keeps up, the Giants should have Bichette on their radar. He’d certainly be an offensive upgrade, and reteaming him with Matt Chapman on the left side of the infield could be good for his defense. In Toronto, Chapman’s range at third base took some pressure off Bichette.”
Blue Jays, Giants Linked in Bo Bichette Trade Rumors
The proposed deal would send Bichette to the Giants for Luciano (No.1) and Carson Whisenhunt (No.3). Bichette, 26, is earning more than Guerrero. Guerrero is earning $19.9 million this season as he has one more year of arbitration-eligibility coming in 2025. On the other hand, Bichette will make a total $29.7 million for 2024 and 2025. If an extension doesn’t come, he’s set for free agency after 2025. Brett Wisley might not be playing at shortstop for long, he’s played well at the plate.
Luciano, 22, is getting another chance with the Giants this season who’s currently hitting .391/.462/.565. He is arbitration-eligible until he hits free agency in 2030. Wisenhunt is the Giants top pitching prospect. The left-hander struck out seven in his latest start for Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. The former second-round draft pick has 62 punchouts in 40 1/3 innings pitched, but owns a 6.02 ERA and 1.593 WHIP over 11 starts. Hopefully his recent start is the start of something good for someone who might see the majors this season.
If the Blue Jays Take That Path
Whether or not the Blue Jays pull the trigger, they have multiple impedning free agents including Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Turner, Kevin Kiermaier, Yimi García, Daniel Vogelbach and Danny Jansen. There’s nothing surprising in what’s been happening of late or the rumors that persist. Given where the Blue Jays are in the standings, it’s ideal that general manager Ross Atkins would explore other options. He would likely set a massive asking price with two months until the deadline.
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